Tears of the Sea

Chapter 16

 While Miroku sat in a chair beside him, King Makoto laid in his bed staring at the ceiling.

“Twenty long years.” King Makoto finally said. Miroku looked at him confused.

“It's been twenty long years since that day. You’ve grown up so much. Yet, seeing how determined you are now, reminds me of how you were back then.”

“Sir?” Miroku said as he was trying to figure out what he was talking about.

“I remember so clearly the determined look on your face. Even though it was a very dangerous thing to do, you didn’t hesitate for a second. I remember how violent that storm was and how the sea was tossing and turning through the winds swallowing everything in their path, even your sister.” At that moment, Miroku gasped as his eyes shot open.

“Even though there was no way you would be able to fight against the currents, you dove right into them the moment you realized your little sister needed help. Even after your body had begun to give out, you continued to fight to save her life. You had no regard for the consequences that could befall you. As long as you could save her, you would be satisfied. Seeing that look in your eyes today, I can't help but to remember how you were back then.” Miroku was so surprised, he jumped right out of his chair.

“Your majesty, how did you know about that?!” King Makoto just smiled. Thinking back, Miroku remembered something.

“Wait...that hand print in the sand! After I came to...I found that we were back on the beach....and...the only thing there to give me an idea of how we got there was!” Miroku looked at King Makoto's face as he just smiled. That was the moment it all came together.

“It was you?! You’re the one who pulled us out of that storm!” King Makoto opened his eyes.

“When I saw that determined look in your eyes, I couldn’t help but be inspired. I had only become the king of the mermaid kingdom a few years before. Yet, even with the support of my wife and daughters, I was unsure if I would ever truly be a great leader. However, seeing how young and brave you were made a tremendous mark on me. Even though the situation seemed hopeless, you were not afraid to put your life on the line. You dove right in and kept pushing yourself forward with all your heart. Seeing it was possible for someone so young to make such an effort caused me to rethink my position. It made me think how it was time for me to stop doubting myself and to just move forward. It was thanks to your courageous heart that I was able to become the ruler I am today.” With a smile on his face, King Makoto looked at Miroku.

“Now, I can finally have the chance to say thank you.” At first all Miroku could do was just remain frozen. He had finally found the one who had saved him and Megumi from drowning when they were children as well as the one responsible for helping him to appreciate the true beauty of the ocean. Yet, he was the one who was being thanked.

“Just like you protected your sister back then, I am confidant you will continue to protect my family now.” Miroku clenched his fists. With a serious look on his face, he finally brought himself to speak.

“Your Majesty, in the story of the mermaid's tear, it was a fifty percent chance that the princess would become a mermaid correct?” King Makoto nodded.

“Would it be possible to try it one more time?” King Makoto formed a surprised look on his face. Then, he couldn’t help but smile.

“I see. You wish to live here with Sango.” Miroku found himself blushing.

“Yes, I don’t mean any disrespect, but I love her and I want to be with her. More than anything, I want Sango and I to be together. She feels the same way. She fears that because we are from two different worlds that it will never work out, but I am determined to see that it does. Even if it means I will have to become a fish man.” King Makoto could see the same determined look in his eyes. He couldn’t help but smile.